E-learning as a tool for improving access to academic education in the opinion of University of Gdansk students and teachers

Contemporary higher education faces numerous challenges, such as unfavorable demography, problematic quality management, lack of skilled resources, aging population or unconsolidated delivery of related study programs. Therefore, in the thought Long Life Learning idea it is important to support adults in completing their university education. It is important to make study process as convenient as it possible. In the Institute of Geography of University of Gdansk we found blended learning system useful to fulfil students' needs. The aim of the article was to analyze the results of the survey of students and academic staff on the opinion about introduction to the curriculum the blended learning. Among academics, the idea has found as many supporters as opponents. The advantages of the introduction of this form of teaching, which are shown by both students and teachers include saving time and facilitating learning. To the disadvantages of e-learning students include some technical problems but first and foremost the inconvenient hours of mandatory chats and problems with meeting deadlines for sending tasks. Additionally, teachers pointed the problems with the assessment of the independence of student's work. It seems that the reason is lack of knowledge on e-learning methods and the lack of the ability to use e-learning tools.